this is really the best approach for any dog. my kids are at the age where we're trying to make them very aware that they just cant' wander up to any dog on a whim. you have to ask, and even then be careful. we had a young couple that didn't live on our street that would walk their pits. good owners and nice people. my daughter asked if she could pet their dogs one day, and her immediate answer was, "no thank you" and she kept walking. there's a reason for that, and i'll give her credit for being a good owner.
and dogs are individuals. my friend's family has always had chows, and even though they have a history, the dogs were great. expect for one. this ***** bit everyone. it bit me, it bit his dad, grandma, friends, etc. it was a biter. repeatedly we told him to put that dog down, and he refused. well, on christmas morning while his girlfriend was petting the dog, it got up aggressively and started to approach her. he put himself in between her and the dog, and the dog proceeded to maul his arm. it was mess. all his other chows were a dream, and this one happened to be a head case. just like people.